Packed stands, a loud away crowd from Umeå and a match that was worth significantly more than three points. For Björklöven, it was the first SHL appearance since 2001. For Djurgården, it was the first time that life after the JVM heroes would begin in earnest.
It was immediately apparent that no one had come to the game to stand and watch. The puck had not even been dropped for the start of the game before Björklöven's new signing Robin Kovacs (formerly a big talent in AIK) scuffled with Albin Grewe and the referees had to intervene.
“This is special”
Then it was the visiting Björklöven who set the pace and created the most dangerous chances. The newcomer had travelled south with the ambition of not apologizing - and with players like Gustav Possler, Kovacs and Axel Ottosson there is plenty of experienced offense.
With only five seconds left in the first period, the payoff came. New signing Phil Di Giuseppe found the right shot and was given the honour of scoring the team's first SHL goal in 25 years. The Canadian has played in over 300 NHL games and he enjoyed the crowd pressure.
"This is special. It feels like Stanley Cup playoff hockey. I'm looking forward to playing more in front of audiences like this," he told TV4 Play during the break.
The question was whether Djurgården had answers. Answers to the questions the home crowd asked themselves after a very weak first period. But they didn't.
Kovacs struck
It's a different Djurgården than the team that was led by JVM heroes Anton Frondell, Victor Eklund and Viggo Björck last season. Now the experienced players will take on greater responsibility.
And it may take some time before a new Djurgården gets things in order. A little into the second period, the away section exploded again when Robin Kovacs thundered in the 2–0 goal.
The third period barely had time to start before Björklöven increased their lead to 3–0 through Oscar Tellström.
Djurgården pressed for a reduction, but Björklöven held on and a superb goalkeeper in Lassi Lehtinen had to keep the score down.
"It was a really cool match. Good atmosphere in the stands," says Tellström.
25 years after their last SHL appearance, Björklöven celebrated their first victory back in the league.
Djurgården?
Well. Not exactly the start we had ordered.
